Farewell
 
The sudden death in early April of our beloved late parish priest, Canon Hall, brought a wave of deep sadness such as this parish has never seen before. The Canon had not been well for some considerable time and died while on holiday in the South of England. Five years ago he was appointed to the easier parish of St. John’s, Beverley, where he was received with great kindness, and where he established the first Parish Council. The wonderful farewell party they gave on his retirement in 1971 was an indication of the esteem and affection they had for him.
 
But his roots and his heart were here where he had seen the destruction of the first St. Wilfrid’s during the war and wehre he watched the growth of the new one, which he had learned to love. On the evening of April 10^th his body was received into his church and a Requiem Mass, attended by many clergy and a huge congregation, was offered up for the repose of his soul. In a short address Fr. Salmon from Marist described the Canon as a gentleman in the truest sense of the word, who would never willingly hurt anyone by anything he did or said. His friendship and affection was something to be treasured and once given it was given for ever. "He was" he said "the gentlest of gentlemen".
 
The following day at noon parishioners, former parishioners and teachers, some of whom we had not seen for years, friends from far and near, clergy and nuns all converged on the church to form a vast congregation for the Solemn Requiem (funeral Mass) which was concelebrated by three Bishops – Bishop McClean (Middlesbrough), Bishop Wheeler (Leeds), Bishop Moverley (Leeds) and ten other priests. Fr. Charlton was master of ceremonies. Some people arrived early to enable them to pray quietly beside the coffin upon which rested spring flowers, the Canon’s chalice, stole and rosary. The choir, consisting of many former members and conducted by Mr. G. Watts, led the singing of the Canons’ favourite hymn, "Lead Kindly Light" as the Bishops and over 60 priests entered the church; and as the sunshine filtered through the high windows and rested gently on the coffin, Canon Davern paid tribute to our late parish priest.
 
He recalled the nine years he had lived and worked with him. When hearing of his appointment to St. Wilfrid’s as a curate he was told, "You are going to a typical English gentleman". And that is what he was – a gentleman, a lovable man who would never willingly hurt anyone’s feelings. He helped many people in trouble and no beggar was ever turned away empty-handed. Often giving the impression of aloofness he was, in fact a shy man who at times found it difficult even to face a congregation. It was only in later years, said Canon Davern, that he fully realised the extent of people’s affection for him. His darkest hour, he said, was during the war when he saw the old St. Wilfrid’s church, school and presbytery destroyed by a landmine. These he had rebuilt and the new St. Wilfrid’s was officially opened in 1956. It could be regarded as his church and would always stand as a tribute to him. "Thank God for your priest," said the Canon, "and thank God for your late parish priest – he served you well. He will never be forgotten."
 
Although of English, Irish and Scottish descent, the Canon was a Yorkshire man through and through and proud of it. Born at Thirsk in 1900, he was educated at the Marist College, Middlesbrough, and then began his training for the priesthood at Ushaw College, Co. Durham. Later he was sent to Toulouse, in France, to complete his studies. After his ordination at St. Charles’, Hull, in 1925, he served at St. Peter’s, Scarborough, St. George’s York, Bedale and Egton Bridge. From there he was appointed as parish priest to St. Wilfrid’s Hull, in 1936.
 
A man of intellect and brilliant mind he could converse at any level and loved to talk to the fisher folk along Hessle Road and learn about their way of life. For them he had a very high regard and any trawler disaster affected him deeply. And many a time he could be seen chatting to the old folk who used to sit on the benches at the end of the Boulevard. They love it – it "made their day".
 
The war years brought their tragedies, but also warm companionship and he enjoyed the friendship of many members of the British and American Forces who were stationed in Hull at that time. These men were very generous in their donations towards the building of the new church and the Canon never forgot them. His Silver Jubilee in 1950 was held in the gymnasium, which is now the main body of Anchor House. His health, however, suffered a great deal and perhaps his system never really recovered from the shock of seeing his parish devastated in 1941. It was during one of these critical periods that Canon Davern (then Fr. Davern) was appointed to St. Wilfrid’s as curate. What magic formula he possessed we will probably never know, but he gave tremendous support to the Canon, and through his help and kindness he was eventually restored to good health.
 
"He was hopeless as regards money," said Canon Davern, "he was generous to a fault. At times we had no housekeeper and if the Canon answered the door himself, the beggarmen of the city seemed to descend on St. Wilfrid’s. On the other hand I don’t think I ever heard him ask for money from the pulpit. He used to make me do that."
 
Now he is gone and the world is poorer for his passing. We pray for the repose of his soul. He was faithful to his Lord – he was faithful to us. We will remember him with respect as a priest and gentleman. We will remember him with love as our friend. May he rest in peace.